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Ukraine Trains Drone Pilots as Technology's Role in War with Russia Expands

2025-12-04

The BareStory

Ukraine is training both civilians and military personnel to operate First-Person-View (FPV) drones, which have become a significant feature of the nearly four-year-long conflict with Russia. The use of these drones is described as a major development in modern warfare.

At an undisclosed location, a facility known as Killhouse Academy operates out of a disused warehouse, according to one report. The training curriculum there reportedly includes computer simulations and practical flight exercises with real drones, which are designed to be fitted with explosive charges for use on the battlefield.

An instructor at the academy, identified by the call sign "DC," stated that patience, practice, and calmness are essential qualities for drone pilots. He described the technological competition with Russia as a "constant race for an advantage" and claimed that warfare "must become unmanned to save lives, money, and time."

The use of expendable drones is considered a way for Ukraine to counter Russia's larger military. According to some estimates cited in one summary, drones may be responsible for approximately 80% of all military casualties in the conflict. In a related development, the Pentagon has announced a Drone Dominance Program with the goal of acquiring 200,000 lethal drones by 2027, following a June executive order on the matter signed by President Trump, according to one account.

Left Perspective

  • Drones are used as a strategic countermeasure.
  • Pilot training is a core part of the war effort.
  • The shift to unmanned warfare is seen as beneficial.

Right Perspective

  • Engaged in a technological competition with Ukraine.
  • Facing an adversary increasingly skilled in drone warfare.
  • Involved in a conflict defined by high drone casualties.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The Pentagon's new Drone Dominance Program, aiming to acquire 200,000 lethal drones by 2027, signals a significant shift in U.S. military policy and defense spending.

• This large-scale acquisition of drones could create new business for U.S. defense companies, potentially impacting the defense sector of the economy and related jobs.

• The U.S. military's focus on drones suggests a move toward unmanned warfare, which may alter the nature of future conflicts and the risks faced by service members.

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